Earth Science Interactive Displays to be Featured at KGS Open House Oct. 17

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2018) — Each October, during the national Earth Science Week observance, the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kentucky and other organizations set up displays and interactive demonstrations of a wide range of Earth science-related topics at the annual KGS open house, which is free and open to everyone. This year’s open house is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the UK Mining and Mineral Resources Building.

As many as 250 students of all ages, along with their parents and teachers, have visited the UK campus for this educational evening.

The event isn’t just about static displays of rocks and minerals. A crowd-pleasing outdoor volcano demonstration is set up by the UK Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, along with a stream table to demonstrate the effects of water erosion. The Kentucky Paleontological Society shows visitors a variety of fossils, and, for the first time, the Kentucky Science Center in Louisville will participate with a series of interactive weather and climate demonstrations. Other displays will involve water quality, storm water handling, a high-power scanning electron microscope and other Earth science topics.

KGS researchers will display the Survey’s large collection of meteorites, tell visitors about useful rocks and minerals of Kentucky, and explain Kentucky’s geologic hazards, such as landslides and earthquakes. Displays of mineral and rock specimens line the first and second floors of the building, including purple fluorite crystals and multi-colored agates from Kentucky and around the world.

Visitors to the event may park free of charge in UK Parking Structure #2, next to the Mining and Mineral Resources Building. This parking garage is accessible from Hilltop Avenue. Students whose teachers offer extra credit can receive a certificate of attendance, and all visitors can sign up for educational door prizes at the event.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue